What new ideas or products did you get at Vegas

From:	MR C (MOSHE)	5 Mar 2007
To:	ALL	1 of 29

6247.1

I was not there this year.

Perhaps you can share somthing inspiring with those who werent so fortunate

EDITED: 5 Mar 2007 by DGL

From:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	5 Mar 2007
To:	MR C (MOSHE)	2 of 29

6247.2 In reply to 6247.1

Mr. C

While it was FUN, I would not say it was inspiring.

Perhaps because this is my fourth show, I felt there was not much new. A veiw shared by others.

There were a couple of interesting seminars, BUT nothing REALLY new. The laser clinic was well received and there was a seminar on photopaint.

Some new products, but nothing you won't find in a trade magazine.

The EE party was a BLAST....

And well, that's all I have.

I hope I answered your question.

From:	MR C (MOSHE)	6 Mar 2007
To:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	3 of 29

6247.3 In reply to 6247.2

I have gone to many shows. I considered going to the NJ one this month, but I think I will pass. If I heard that there was alot of new items or exciting seminars I would go.

It is a real pain to get there from Montreal, and as far as fun goes, I could do much better right here

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	6 Mar 2007
To:	MR C (MOSHE)	4 of 29

6247.4 In reply to 6247.1
What's new, is entirely in the eye of the beholder. I was impressed by the new, large Universal laser (legal) pass-through machine. I was impressed with the versatility of Ikon metal. I was impressed with Advanced Corporation's high-end Dymond wood and art glass awards. I didn't buy anything at the show, but I felt it was worth attending. Knowing the Las Vegas show is the only show where some suppliers choose to exhibit annually, I suspect the Atlantic City show will be smaller, but again, what's new depends on what you've seen in the past. David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri DGL Engraving Port Hueneme, CA

From:	gt350ed	6 Mar 2007
To:	MR C (MOSHE)	5 of 29

6247.5 In reply to 6247.1
Like David L. stated, it's always in the eye of the beholder. It depends on what type of work you do and the products that you turn out. For us, there were lots of new items in the recognition awards and trophy areas, as well as in the giftware area. Many suppliers are getting on the full color band wagon as relates to awards and plaques. Seeing things in person is always better than looking at a picture in a magazine. We made some inventory purchases; mostly items for display. We have received some, and are still awaiting the arrival of some things. We have already had sales of several new items that we immediately put out on display. We like changing it up whenever we can. It keeps our showroom fresh and keeps us ahead of our competition. And from a technology view, there were new items of equipment; in laser technology and also in the full color arena. As for the EE "Beach" party (dinner), many attended, and more than a few opted out. We opted out. Nevertheless, a good time was had by all. Ed Holley Victor Valley Trophy & Awards Co. and Coffee Mugs Online www.coffeemugsonline.com

From:	Tom (TJGEENEN)	6 Mar 2007
To:	ALL	6 of 29

6247.6
I thought the Expo was great. I went with a specific agenda to see certain laser items that I wanted to see first hand and not just from an add in a magazine. Also, I am thinking of doing trophies so I wanted to see and talk to folks about that end the business. Throughout the year I make notes about things I want to learn more about and then I go to Vegas with a mission to get answers on as many as I can. Tom Geenen Gulf Coast Laser Graphics

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	6 Mar 2007
To:	ALL	7 of 29

6247.7
I spoke to a person today, who attends the Las Vegas show every year. I asked if she thought the show was worthwhile. I had to agree with her answer, which was, "If we can pick up one great idea, or find one hot new product, we feel the show was worth attending. She went on to say, "I can't think of a year when we didn't come back with that one great idea or new product." David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri DGL Engraving Port Hueneme, CA

From:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	7 Mar 2007
To:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	8 of 29

6247.8 In reply to 6247.7
We also do a lot of purchasing at the show, with show specials. It either reduces the cost of attending or completely covers the cost, airfare, hotel, and car rental. Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem) When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

From:	gt350ed	7 Mar 2007
To:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	9 of 29

6247.9 In reply to 6247.8
This is an excellent point, Harvey. Because we only live about 185 miles from Las Vegas, the show specials easily cover our expenses of attending. But for you and Dee to be able to say the same thing relative to your locale in Philadelphia, says a bunch. And you get to see me, as well. :O) Ed Holley Victor Valley Trophy & Awards Co. and Coffee Mugs Online www.coffeemugsonline.com

From:	Dee (DEENA-ONLY)	7 Mar 2007
To:	gt350ed	10 of 29

6247.10 In reply to 6247.9

The problem is we didn't get to spend as much time with you as we would have liked to. :'-(

Dee

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

From:	Dee (DEENA-ONLY)	7 Mar 2007
To:	MR C (MOSHE)	11 of 29

6247.11 In reply to 6247.1
Some of the things we purchased at the show & why 80 pieces of 4 different items from Crystal by Design at a show special price of 30% off their regular prices. These are pieces we would not have purchased if we hadn't been able to touch them first. These are also new items for the company & aren't in their current catalog. Small quantities of new product from Victory at the 25 case price. I had seen them in their catalog but just wasn't sure until we were able to touch them. An example is their #GL120B. This is a new area for us & being able to touch them and get the show special price made us buy them. We met a rep from one of the tape companies who lives in our area. It is always nice to do business with locals. Energy. Being with people in the same industry and hearing their ideas, their successes & their failures always gives me energy. In a casual conversation with Toni Hayes she gave me an idea I am actively pursuing. It was something I should have thought of but never did. Hearing her idea made me realize how myopic I can be & how much I need to be around others in the industry. The trip was worth all it cost and so much more. Dee Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	7 Mar 2007
To:	Dee (DEENA-ONLY)	12 of 29

6247.12 In reply to 6247.11
Dee, As you say, conversations with people in the industry, especially face-to-face with equipment reps, can be beneficial in a couple of ways. 1) Reps sell equipment to many industries; not just the awards industry. They can offer ideas for money-making applications, we've never thought of. Case in point, on this Vegas trip, I got an idea from an equipment rep, who told me of a way to turn less than $1.25 (material costs) into a $10 (retail) piece of merchandise, with only a few minutes of labor. If you don't mind, I'll keep this one to myself for awhile. :-) 2) You'd be surprised how easy it is to get "special treatement" from companies who know you by name and face. Instead of just anyone calling in for an order, it's our friend Dee, from Accent on Engraving. Shouldn't make a difference, but it does. :-) David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri DGL Engraving Port Hueneme, CA

From:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	7 Mar 2007
To:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	13 of 29

6247.13 In reply to 6247.7
quote: "If we can pick up one great idea, or find one hot new product, we feel the show was worth attending. What a great attitude.

From:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	7 Mar 2007
To:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	14 of 29

6247.14 In reply to 6247.12
quote: 2) You'd be surprised how easy it is to get "special treatement" from companies who know you by name and face. Instead of just anyone calling in for an order, it's our friend Dee, from Accent on Engraving. An added bonus that I have over looked. Thanks for pointing that out.

From:	RICK (THUMBSUP)	8 Mar 2007
To:	ALL	15 of 29

6247.15
This was our second Vegas show,although not our second trade show.as others have said,if I pick up one useful bit of info,then the show was a success.And it was.I had 2 primary goals other than the seminars-gathering info and looking at rotary engravers,as well as checking out mug presses.The engraver goal was met,however,there were very few mug presses to look at.Notably absent from past shows was a G.Knight booth,and Conde was not there for sublimaters.I am wondering why?The show was good,the party was great(even if we didn't win anything).Hope to go again next year.

From:	Cindy (CINDYM)	8 Mar 2007
To:	ALL	16 of 29

6247.16

I hold by that same attitude -" if you learn one new thing, it's worth the trip".

Something people who have been attending the show for years might try - go to a seminar for newbies. Our industry changes often, and it is interesting to hear new information on topics that we thought we already knew thoroughly. If I have an open spot in my seminar schedule and there is an interesting sounding 101 level class, I'll take it. I always learn something new in those classes.

One thing I've found out from attending seminars like this - the younger people that are new to our industry are jumping over most of us in the technological understanding department. It is second nature to them.

One thing we have over them though is that a lot of people who started in this industry pre 1985's have experience with manual machines, computer engravers, laying out jobs using our internal vision (we didn't have screens showing the layouts in art form until about 1985 ish if I remember correctly). Instead of starting with lasers, we worked up to them.

Cindy Murdoch, CRS

From:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	8 Mar 2007
To:	RICK (THUMBSUP)	18 of 29

6247.18 In reply to 6247.15
quote: Notably absent from past shows was a G.Knight booth,and Conde was not there for sublimaters.I am wondering why? Rick, It was only a couple of days ago when I was talking with Jim about Conde that I realized they were not at the show. I too wonder why. As for GeoKnight, I would assume they have enough distributors at the show, that they don't need to be there as well..but that is just a guess on my part. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself at the party. It was a lot of fun. I didn't win anything either, but maybe next year. :D

From:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	8 Mar 2007
To:	RICK (THUMBSUP)	20 of 29

6247.20 In reply to 6247.19
quote: I thought you "inherited" the tube of grease?? Actually no, it was not the grease, but it's just not the same as winning :'-(